The Smile Clinic Paris has become The Madeleine Dental Practice.

Correcting Gaps Between Teeth

The gaps between teeth are loved… or we’d like to get rid of them. For some, it’s a sign of unique charm; for others, a daily complex. It’s all a matter of perspective. At the Madeleine Dental Practice, we offer solutions tailored to your desires: keep this particularity that defines your style or correct it for a confident, aligned smile.

3

What are Gaps Between Teeth?

The term refers to a space, or diastema, visible between two teeth. It is most often found between the two upper incisors. The causes are varied:

  • Excessively large or improperly positioned labial frenum;
  • Disproportion between the size of the teeth and the jaw (microdontia);
  • Genetic factors;
  • Childhood habits (thumb sucking);
  • Periodontal issues causing dental mobility;

What are Gaps Between Teeth?

The term refers to a space, or diastema, visible between two teeth. It is most often found between the two upper incisors. The causes are varied:

  • Excessively large or improperly positioned labial frenum;
  • Disproportion between the size of the teeth and the jaw (microdontia);
  • Genetic factors;
  • Childhood habits (thumb sucking);
  • Periodontal issues causing dental mobility;
4

Why Correct Gaps Between Teeth?

The desire for an aligned smile is often the main motivation. It’s to feel more comfortable with one’s appearance and regain full self-confidence. Additionally, correcting a diastema can improve chewing, speech, and gum health if the space is linked to periodontitis.

Has your gap been present since childhood, or has it developed over time? Several customized solutions exist to meet your specific needs.

Possible Solutions for Correcting Gaps Between Teeth

Facettes de dents

Dental Veneers (ceramic or composite)

Veneers are thin shells bonded to the visible surface of the teeth. This is a solution for a quick aesthetic transformation when the diastema is mild or moderate.

  • Advantages: Quick and natural aesthetic result, preservation of tooth structure, also corrects the shape and color of the teeth.
  • Technique: After an aesthetic diagnosis, the practitioner prepares the enamel surface, takes an impression, and then bonds the custom-made veneers created in the laboratory (ceramic) or models them directly in the mouth (composite).
  • Indications: For limited diastemas, discolored or worn teeth, and for overall aesthetic improvement without orthodontics.

Clear Aligners (trays)

This involves a series of removable clear trays that gradually move the teeth.

  • Advantages: Very aesthetic and discreet, comfortable, hygiene is facilitated since the trays are removable.
  • Technique: After a 3D scan of your teeth, a series of trays is manufactured. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and changed every 1 to 2 weeks. Retainers (wire or nighttime trays) are essential at the end of treatment.
  • Indications: For mild to moderate diastemas in adults.

Fixed Orthodontics (braces)

The brackets bonded to the teeth are connected by a metal arch to guide the movement of the teeth.

  • Advantages: Very precise control of movements, sustainable results.
  • Technique: The treatment involves regular adjustments with the practitioner. The braces can be metallic or ceramic (more discreet).
  • Indications: Applicable to the most complex cases such as wide diastema and associated malocclusion.

Frenectomy (removal of the labial frenum)

Sometimes, the cause of the diastema is an excessively strong labial frenum (the tissue connecting the lip to the gum). It must be corrected before closing the space.

  • Advantages: Corrects the mechanical cause of the diastema and prevents recurrence after orthodontic treatment.
  • Technique: A very short surgical procedure under local anesthesia to reposition or remove the frenum. Healing is quick. It is often an essential complement to orthodontics.
Soin dentaire sur fauteuil

Dental Implants

An implant is an artificial titanium root inserted into the jawbone to support a crown. It is the most durable and conservative solution for adjacent teeth.

  • Advantages: Strong and stable, preserves bone volume, feels like a natural tooth, does not harm adjacent teeth.
  • Technique: The placement is done surgically, followed by a bone healing period (osseointegration) of several months before the final crown is placed. Sometimes, a bone graft is necessary beforehand if there isn’t enough bone volume to accommodate the implant.
  • Indications: For a diastema related to the loss or absence of a tooth (replacement solution).
Dents blanches et sourire éclatant

Dental Bridges

The bridge replaces a missing tooth by relying on the two adjacent teeth, which serve as pillars.

  • Advantages: A fixed and aesthetic solution, quick restoration of function without implant surgery.
  • Technique: The practitioner must shape the pillar teeth to securely attach the bridge, which is a prosthesis composed of three fused elements (two crowns on the pillars and an intermediate element replacing the missing tooth).
  • Indications: For a diastema resulting from the loss or absence of a tooth (replacement solution).

How to determine which type of treatment to choose?

The choice of treatment depends on several criteria: the cause of the space (natural diastema or missing tooth), its size, the health of your teeth and gums, your aesthetic expectations, and your budget.

It is mandatory to schedule an initial consultation with a dentist. After a complete examination, they can provide a personalized diagnosis and guide you toward the most suitable solution.

Steps to correct your 'happiness tooth'

1.

Initial Consultation

This first step allows the practitioner to assess the clinical situation, conduct necessary examinations (X-rays, 3D scans), and discuss your expectations.

2.

Choice and Planning of Treatment

Based on the diagnosis, the dentist proposes the possible solutions and gives you a detailed treatment plan along with a quote.

3.

Procedure

Depending on the chosen technique, the treatment unfolds in one or several stages: placement of veneers, beginning of orthodontic treatment, implant surgery, etc.

4.

Follow-up and Maintenance

Once the treatment is complete, a follow-up must be established. For orthodontics, retention is essential. For prostheses (veneers, crowns), regular check-up visits ensure their longevity.

Correcting a dental gap: how much does it cost?

The cost of correcting a diastema depends on the chosen solution. At the Madeleine Dental Practice in Paris, we commit to total transparency. Here are the indicative prices for the treatments involved.

SolutionIndicative Price
Composite bonding (per tooth)€200 — €450/tooth
Ceramic dental veneer (per veneer)€1,200 – €1,800/veneer
Aligner treatment (full treatment)€2,500 – €6,000 (full treatment)
Orthodontic assessment: €180 (not included)
Dental implant (implant placement)€1,000 (implant only)
Crown on implant€1,200 – €1,700/crown
Bone graft (if necessary)€600 – €4,500

Amounts may vary depending on materials, complexity, presence of comorbidities, and associated services. A personalized quote will be provided after your consultation.

Possible financing and insurance reimbursements

Some health insurances and mutuals may cover part of the costs, particularly for orthodontic treatments or prostheses. Payment facilities may also be offered at the Madeleine Dental Practice. Don’t hesitate to ask for information.

Want a more confident smile? Our practitioners offer a personalized assessment and tailored advice.  

Need to correct 'happiness teeth'?

Our practitioners are here to advise you!

FAQ

Veneers and composite bonding are the quickest solutions, offering results in 1 to 3 sessions. However, they are only indicated for aesthetic reasons and for limited diastemas. 

In orthodontics, wearing a retainer helps keep the teeth well in place after treatment. Veneers, bridges, and implants have an excellent lifespan (10-15 years and more) with good hygiene and regular follow-up. 

Not always. This solution is only necessary if the labial frenum is the main cause of the gap’s persistence. 

Most treatments are minimally or not painful. Minor surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia, and recovery is short. 

For an isolated diastema, the duration can be short (a few months), but it varies depending on the size of the gap and occlusal complexity.